Rival Football Fans Unite in Anti-Mufti Protest in Plovdiv

A large group of football ultras gathered in front of the court in Plovdiv. Photo by BGNES

Over 500 Bulgarian football fans gathered in front of Plovdiv's courthouse Friday morning, protesting against the Grand Mufti's appeal for ownership of 4 properties in the city.

The fans were mixed in terms of club support, including rival fractions from CSKASofia, LevskiSofia, BotevPlovdiv, and Lokomotiv Plovdiv. There were also a number of ultras from Stara Zagora and Burgas, the daily Trud reported.

Despite their bitter rivalries in the stadium, the young men were united in their protest against the Grand Mufti's request for ownership of 4 big estates in Plovdiv. However, they had not received authorization to hold a demonstration, and the police requested that they leave the area.

The fans ignored the call of the police and threw several smoke bombs and flares, while screaming anti-Turkish and anti-Muslim slogans. There are no reports of violence having broken out, and the court hearing has proceeded as normal.

The Grand Mufti claims that the 4 properties were previously its ownership, and request their restitution from the municipality.